18 Ideas for Outdoor Lighting

Canning jars with tea lights create a sparkling entrance to any outdoor gathering. Wrap the tops of lidless jars with hose clamps and suspend from a tree branch or a shepherd's-crook stake.

A large piece of architectural salvage still works hard as a light when strung with twinkle lights. The contrast between big and bitty makes for a charming look.

Floating candles offer illumination for an evening garden party. A raised, galvanized tub overflows with delicate flowers; inside, a smaller tub holds the floating candles.

Tiny tea lights add mystery and romance to any outdoor event. Line the tea lights in a moss-covered tray for elegance. Silver accessories glimmer in the candlelight.

Create a unique garden chandelier using a shallow tray, canning jars, votive candles, moss, a flowerpot, rope, chain and birdseed.

Lighting creates mood, so make sure the kind you choose matches yours. Candles floating among flowers is pure romance. 

An outdoor living room takes on the look of indoor spaces when you use furniture and accessories that echo interior styling.

Hurricane-style lanterns warm the look in this fall setting. They come in many styles, making it simple to find one to fit your look.

Oversize candle holders hung between striped curtains make for a bright and cheery look on a porch.

Path lights direct beams where guests need it. The tulip glass on this fits right in amid a flowerbed. 

Path lights can even seem to bubble with enthusiasm.

Tea lights flicker in votives placed in holes left by long-gone lights in this chandelier.

Candles and flowers add romance to any garden event. (Use battery-powered candles if wind is a bother or fire is a concern.) Hang a chandelier like this up in a tree or from hardscaping.

The teardrop-shape white light sitting on the deck injects a mod look in this bold setting. 

Paper lanterns come in a range of colors, sizes and shapes—some are even solar powered. Choose ones that match your outdoor furniture. Hung on plant hangers in the garden bed, these will create a cocoon of light around the seating area.

Wind strings of lights of various sizes and shapes around plant supports, a trellis, a pergola or the like for a whimsical touch. 

Streamlined looks still work hard. Focus light where you need it by hanging pendants.

Ceiling fans hung on porches stir air on summer days and pool light over seating or eating areas on summer nights.